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Hall SV, Pangori A, Tilea A, Schroeder A, Zivin K. Perinatal attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis rates among commercially insured delivering women 2008-2020. J Affect Disord 2024; 365:36-40. [PMID: 39147165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive impairment and decreased executing functioning represent common symptoms of both ADHD and pregnancy. This study aimed to characterize temporal trends and racial/ethnic disparities in ADHD diagnosis during the perinatal period. METHODS In this serial cross-sectional study, we used administrative claims to create a cohort of commercially insured women with a documented live birth between 2008 and 2020 and identified those with an ADHD diagnosis in the year before or after delivery. We applied logistic regression to assess the probability of ADHD diagnosis adjusting for race/ethnicity, age, and comorbid conditions. We used this model to calculate the predicted probability of ADHD diagnosis by racial/ethnic group for each year. RESULTS We identified 736,325 deliveries from 2008 to 2020. Overall, 16,801 (2.28 %) of deliveries had an ADHD diagnosis in the year before or after delivery. ADHD rates increased 290 % from 101 (95%CI: 92-111) per 10,000 deliveries in 2008 to 394 (95%CI: 371-419) per 10,000 deliveries in 2020. White women experienced the highest rates followed by Black, Hispanic, and Asian, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Increasing ADHD diagnosis rates during the perinatal period may reflect improved detection but racial disparities persist. Additional research is needed to develop equitable outreach strategies to better support women experiencing ADHD during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V Hall
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Andrea Pangori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Program on Women's Healthcare Effectiveness Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Anca Tilea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Program on Women's Healthcare Effectiveness Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Amy Schroeder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Kara Zivin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Program on Women's Healthcare Effectiveness Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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2
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Savoca PW, Glynn LM, Fox MM, Richards MC, Callaghan BL. Interoception in pregnancy: Implications for peripartum depression. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 166:105874. [PMID: 39243875 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Savoca
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
| | | | - Molly M Fox
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Misty C Richards
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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3
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Hare MM, Barber A, Shaffer SA, Deligiannidis KM. Bidirectional associations between perinatal allopregnanolone and depression severity with postpartum gray matter volume in adult women. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2024; 150:404-415. [PMID: 38923502 PMCID: PMC11444908 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal depression (PND) is a debilitating condition affecting maternal well-being and child development. Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is important to perinatal neuroplasticity, however its relationship with depression severity and postpartum structural brain volume is unknown. METHOD We examined perinatal temporal dynamics and bidirectional associations between ALLO and depression severity and the association between these variables and postpartum gray matter volume, using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model. RESULTS We identified a unidirectional predictive relationship between PND severity and ALLO concentration, suggesting greater depression severity early in the perinatal period may contribute to subsequent changes in ALLO concentration (β = 0.26, p = 0.009), while variations in ALLO levels during the perinatal period influences the development and severity of depressive symptoms later in the postpartum period (β = 0.38, p = 0.007). Antepartum depression severity (Visit 2, β = 0.35, p = 0.004), ALLO concentration (Visit 2, β = 0.37, p = 0.001), and postpartum depression severity (Visit 3, β = 0.39, p = 0.031), each predicted the right anterior cingulate volume. Antepartum ALLO concentration (Visit 2, β = 0.29, p = 0.001) predicted left suborbital sulcus volume. Antepartum depression severity (Visit 1, β = 0.39, p = 0.006 and Visit 2, β = 0.48, p < 0.001) predicted the right straight gyrus volume. Postpartum depression severity (Visit 3, β = 0.36, p = 0.001) predicted left middle-posterior cingulate volume. CONCLUSION These results provide the first evidence of bidirectional associations between perinatal ALLO and depression severity with postpartum gray matter volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Hare
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anita Barber
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Scott A Shaffer
- The Mass Spectrometry Facility, UMass Chan Medical School, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristina M Deligiannidis
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, Molecular Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
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4
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Pawluski JL. The parental brain, perinatal mental illness, and treatment: A review of key structural and functional changes. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151951. [PMID: 39030131 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2024.151951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The transition to parenthood is perhaps the only time in adult life when the brain changes to such a significant degree in such a short period, particularly in birthing parents. It is also a time when there is an increased risk of developing a mental illness, which may be due, in part, to the increased neuroplasticity. Thus, we must develop interventions and treatments that support parents and promote parental brain health. This review will highlight key findings from current research on how human brain structure and function are modified with 1) the transition to parenthood, 2) parenting stress and perinatal mental illness, and 3) treatments aimed at promoting perinatal mental health. The focus will be on birthing parents and mothers, but brain changes in non-birthing parents will also be discussed. Improvements in our understanding of the parental brain, in health and with illness, will promote the well-being of generations to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L Pawluski
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France.
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5
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Harrington YA, Paolini M, Fortaner-Uyà L, Maccario M, Melloni EMT, Poletti S, Lorenzi C, Zanardi R, Colombo C, Benedetti F. History of Peripartum Depression Moderates the Association Between Estradiol Polygenic Risk Scores and Basal Ganglia Volumes in Major Depressive Disorder. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024:S2451-9022(24)00279-9. [PMID: 39362408 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurobiological differences between women who have experienced a peripartum episode and those who have only had episodes outside of this period are not well understood. METHODS 64 parous female patients with major depressive disorder that have either a positive (n=30) or negative (n=34) history of peripartum depression (PPD) underwent MRI acquisition to obtain structural brain images. An independent two-sample t-test comparing patients with and without a history of PPD was performed using voxel-based morphometry analysis (VBM). Additionally, polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for estradiol were calculated and a moderation analysis was conducted between 3 estradiol PRSs and PPD history status on extracted cluster volumes using IBM SPSS PROCESS macro. RESULTS The VBM analysis identified larger grey matter volumes in bilateral clusters encompassing the putamen, pallidum, caudate, and thalamus in patients with PPD history compared to patients without a history. The moderation analysis identified a significant interaction of 2 estradiol PRSs and PPD history on grey matter cluster volumes with a positive effect in PPD women and a negative effect in women with no history of PPD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that women who have experienced a peripartum episode are neurobiologically distinct from women who have no history of PPD in a cluster within the basal ganglia, an area important for motivation, decision-making, and emotional processing. Furthermore, we show that the genetic load for estradiol has a differing effect in this area based on PPD status which supports the claim that PPD is associated with sensitivity to sex steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin A Harrington
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Paolini
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Lidia Fortaner-Uyà
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Melania Maccario
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Mood Disorders Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa M T Melloni
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Poletti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Lorenzi
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Mood Disorders Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Mood Disorders Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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6
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Chaker Z, Makarouni E, Doetsch F. The Organism as the Niche: Physiological States Crack the Code of Adult Neural Stem Cell Heterogeneity. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2024; 40:381-406. [PMID: 38985883 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-120320-040213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) persist in the adult mammalian brain and are able to give rise to new neurons and glia throughout life. The largest stem cell niche in the adult mouse brain is the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) lining the lateral ventricles. Adult NSCs in the V-SVZ coexist in quiescent and actively proliferating states, and they exhibit a regionalized molecular identity. The importance of such spatial diversity is just emerging, as depending on their position within the niche, adult NSCs give rise to distinct subtypes of olfactory bulb interneurons and different types of glia. However, the functional relevance of stem cell heterogeneity in the V-SVZ is still poorly understood. Here, we put into perspective findings highlighting the importance of adult NSC diversity for brain plasticity, and how the body signals to brain stem cells in different physiological states to regulate their behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zayna Chaker
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; , ,
| | | | - Fiona Doetsch
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; , ,
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7
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Premji SS, Lalani S, Ghani F, Nausheen S, Forcheh N, Omuse G, Letourneau N, Babar N, Sulaiman S, Wangira M, Ali SS, Islam N, Dosani A, Yim IS. Allostatic Load as a Mediator and Perceived Chronic Stress as a Moderator in the Association between Maternal Mental Health and Preterm Birth: A Prospective Cohort Study of Pregnant Women in Pakistan. Psychopathology 2024:1-20. [PMID: 39342939 DOI: 10.1159/000540579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The complex biopsychosocial pathways linking maternal mental health with preterm birth (PTB) are not well understood. This study aimed to explore allostatic load (AL) as a mediator and perceived chronic stress as a moderator in the pathway linking maternal mental health and PTB. METHODS A cohort study of pregnant women (n = 1,567) recruited at clinic visits within 10-19 weeks of gestation was assessed for maternal mental health (i.e., pregnancy-related anxiety, state anxiety, depressive symptoms) and perceived chronic stress. Blood pressure and levels of cortisol, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and glycosylated hemoglobin were used to create a composite measure of AL. RESULTS AL had the most significant effect on PTB (odds ratio (OR) = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.26-12.67, p = 0.001), while systolic blood pressure emerged as the only significant individual marker using variable selection (OR = 22%, 95% CI = 1.06-1.40, p < 0.001) in multiple logistic regression analysis. A mediation analysis revealed that maternal mental health did not have a significant direct effect on PTB (p = 0.824), but its indirect effect mediated by AL was significant (z = 2.33, p < 0.020). Low and high levels of perceived chronic stress, relative to the mean, moderated this indirect effect (z = 3.66, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AL has a significant direct influence on PTB and mediates the effect of maternal mental health on PTB; however, the indirect effect of AL is indistinguishable between women with higher or lower levels of perceived chronic stress than normal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharifa Lalani
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Farooq Ghani
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sidrah Nausheen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ntonghanwah Forcheh
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey Omuse
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Neelofur Babar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Salima Sulaiman
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Musana Wangira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shahnaz Shahid Ali
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nazneen Islam
- Molecular Pathology, Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aliyah Dosani
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Community and Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ilona S Yim
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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8
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Dufford AJ, Patterson G, Kim P. Longitudinal neuroanatomical increases from early to one-year postpartum. Brain Struct Funct 2024:10.1007/s00429-024-02852-x. [PMID: 39299954 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02852-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have provided causal evidence that the postpartum period involves regional neuroanatomical changes in 'maternal' brain regions to support the transition to offspring caregiving. Few studies, in humans, have examined neuroanatomical changes from early to one-year postpartum with longitudinal neuroimaging data and their association with postpartum mood changes. In the present study, we examined longitudinal changes in surface morphometry (cortical thickness and surface area) in regions previously implicated in the transition to parenthood. We also examined longitudinal volumetric neuroanatomical changes in three subcortical regions of the maternal brain: the hippocampus, amygdala, and ventral diencephalon. Twenty-four participants underwent longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging at 1-4 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Cortical thickness increased from early to one-year postpartum in the left (p = .003, Bonferroni corrected) and right (p = .02, Bonferroni corrected) superior frontal gyrus. No significant increases (or decreases) were observed in these regions for surface area. Volumetric increases, across the postpartum period, were found in the left amygdala (p = .001, Bonferroni corrected) and right ventral diencephalon (p = .01, Bonferroni corrected). An exploratory analysis of depressive symptoms found reductions in depressive symptoms from early postpartum to one-year postpartum were associated with greater cortical thickness in the superior frontal gyrus for both the left (p = .02) and right (p = .02) hemispheres. The findings expand our evidence of the neuroanatomical changes that occur across the postpartum period in humans and motivate future studies to examine how mood changes across this period are associated with cortical thickness of the superior frontal gyrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Dufford
- Center for Mental Health Innovation, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Pilyoung Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 80210, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
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9
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Pritschet L, Taylor CM, Cossio D, Faskowitz J, Santander T, Handwerker DA, Grotzinger H, Layher E, Chrastil ER, Jacobs EG. Neuroanatomical changes observed over the course of a human pregnancy. Nat Neurosci 2024:10.1038/s41593-024-01741-0. [PMID: 39284962 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01741-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a period of profound hormonal and physiological changes experienced by millions of women annually, yet the neural changes unfolding in the maternal brain throughout gestation are not well studied in humans. Leveraging precision imaging, we mapped neuroanatomical changes in an individual from preconception through 2 years postpartum. Pronounced decreases in gray matter volume and cortical thickness were evident across the brain, standing in contrast to increases in white matter microstructural integrity, ventricle volume and cerebrospinal fluid, with few regions untouched by the transition to motherhood. This dataset serves as a comprehensive map of the human brain across gestation, providing an open-access resource for the brain imaging community to further explore and understand the maternal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pritschet
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
| | - Caitlin M Taylor
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Cossio
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Faskowitz
- Section on Functional Imaging Methods, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tyler Santander
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Daniel A Handwerker
- Section on Functional Imaging Methods, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Grotzinger
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Evan Layher
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Chrastil
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
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10
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Wu YL, Christodoulou AG, Beumer JH, Rigatti LH, Fisher R, Ross M, Watkins S, Cortes DRE, Ruck C, Manzoor S, Wyman SK, Stapleton MC, Goetzman E, Bharathi S, Wipf P, Wang H, Tan T, Christner SM, Guo J, Lo CWY, Epperly MW, Greenberger JS. Mitigation of Fetal Radiation Injury from Mid-Gestation Total-body Irradiation by Maternal Administration of Mitochondrial-Targeted GS-Nitroxide JP4-039. Radiat Res 2024; 202:565-579. [PMID: 39074819 DOI: 10.1667/rade-24-00095.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Victims of a radiation terrorist event will include pregnant women and unborn fetuses. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key pathogenic factors of fetal radiation injury. The goal of this preclinical study is to investigate the efficacy of mitigating fetal radiation injury by maternal administration of the mitochondrial-targeted gramicidin S (GS)-nitroxide radiation mitigator JP4-039. Pregnant female C57BL/6NTac mice received 3 Gy total-body irradiation (TBI) at mid-gestation embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5). Using novel time-and-motion-resolved 4D in utero magnetic resonance imaging (4D-uMRI), we found TBI caused extensive injury to the fetal brain that included cerebral hemorrhage, loss of cerebral tissue, and hydrocephalus with excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Histopathology of the fetal mouse brain showed broken cerebral vessels and elevated apoptosis. Further use of novel 4D Oxy-wavelet MRI capable of probing in vivo mitochondrial function in intact brain revealed a significant reduction of mitochondrial function in the fetal brain after 3 Gy TBI. This was validated by ex vivo Oroboros mitochondrial respirometry. One day after TBI (E14.5) maternal administration of JP4-039, which passes through the placenta, significantly reduced fetal brain radiation injury and improved fetal brain mitochondrial respiration. Treatment also preserved cerebral brain tissue integrity and reduced cerebral hemorrhage and cell death. JP4-039 administration following irradiation resulted in increased survival of pups. These findings indicate that JP4-039 can be deployed as a safe and effective mitigator of fetal radiation injury from mid-gestational in utero ionizing radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijen L Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
- Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Anthony G Christodoulou
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Jan H Beumer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232
| | - Lora H Rigatti
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Renee Fisher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
| | - Mark Ross
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Simon Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Devin R E Cortes
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
- Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Cody Ruck
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
- Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Shanim Manzoor
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
- Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Samuel K Wyman
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
- Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Margaret C Stapleton
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
| | - Eric Goetzman
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
| | - Sivakama Bharathi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
| | - Peter Wipf
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
- Department of Chemistry, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Tuantuan Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
| | - Susan M Christner
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232
| | - Jianxia Guo
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232
| | - Cecilia W Y Lo
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
| | - Michael W Epperly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
| | - Joel S Greenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
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11
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Puri TA, Lieblich SE, Ibrahim M, Galea LAM. Pregnancy history and estradiol influence spatial memory, hippocampal plasticity, and inflammation in middle-aged rats. Horm Behav 2024; 165:105616. [PMID: 39168073 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy and motherhood can have long-term effects on cognition and brain aging in both humans and rodents. Estrogens are related to cognitive function and neuroplasticity. Estrogens can improve cognition in postmenopausal women, but the evidence is mixed, partly due to differences in age of initiation, type of menopause, dose, formulation and route of administration. Additionally, past pregnancy influences brain aging and cognition as a younger age of first pregnancy in humans is associated with poorer aging outcomes. However, few animal studies have examined specific features of pregnancy history or the possible mechanisms underlying these changes. We examined whether maternal age at first pregnancy and estradiol differentially affected hippocampal neuroplasticity, inflammation, spatial reference cognition, and immediate early gene activation in response to spatial memory retrieval in middle-age. Thirteen-month-old rats (who were nulliparous (never mothered) or previously primiparous (had a litter) at three or seven months) received daily injections of estradiol (or vehicle) for sixteen days and were tested on the Morris Water Maze. An older age of first pregnancy was associated with impaired spatial memory but improved performance on reversal training, and increased number of new neurons in the ventral hippocampus. Estradiol decreased activation of new neurons in the dorsal hippocampus, regardless of parity history. Estradiol also decreased the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines based on age of first pregnancy. This work suggests that estradiol affects neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation in middle age, and that age of first pregnancy can have long lasting effects on hippocampus structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvi A Puri
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephanie E Lieblich
- Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Muna Ibrahim
- Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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12
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Levy JCP, Yatziv T, Bunderson M, Bartz C, Vancor EA, Rutherford HJV. Anxiety and neural correlates of attention and self-regulation in pregnancy: a resting-state EEG study. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024:10.1007/s00737-024-01505-6. [PMID: 39214911 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to experiencing mental health difficulties, especially anxiety. Anxiety in pregnancy can be characterized as having two components: general symptomology experienced in the general population, and pregnancy-related anxiety more focused on pregnancy, delivery, and the future child. In addition, women also commonly report experiencing attentional control and self-regulation difficulties across the peripartum period. However, links between anxiety and neural and cognitive functioning in pregnancy remain unclear. The present study investigated whether anxiety is associated with neural markers of attention and self-regulation measured using electroencephalography (EEG). Specifically, we examined associations between general and pregnancy-related anxiety and (1) beta oscillations, a neural marker of attentional processing; and (2) the coupling of beta and delta oscillations, a neural marker of self-regulation, in frontal and prefrontal regions. METHODS A sample of 135 women in the third trimester of their pregnancy completed a resting-state EEG session. RESULTS General anxiety was associated with increased beta oscillations, in line with research in the general population, interpreted as reflecting hyperarousal. Pregnancy-related anxiety was associated with decreased beta oscillations, interpreted as reflecting inattention and mind-wandering. Moreover, pregnancy-related anxiety, but not general anxiety, was linked to stronger delta-beta coupling, suggesting anxiety specifically related to the pregnancy is associated with investing greater effort in self-regulation. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that general and pregnancy-related anxiety may differentially relate to neural patterns underlying attention and self-regulation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine C P Levy
- Yale Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tal Yatziv
- Yale Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Madison Bunderson
- Yale Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cody Bartz
- Yale Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily A Vancor
- Yale Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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13
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Küchenhoff S, Bayrak Ş, Zsido RG, Saberi A, Bernhardt BC, Weis S, Schaare HL, Sacher J, Eickhoff S, Valk SL. Relating sex-bias in human cortical and hippocampal microstructure to sex hormones. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7279. [PMID: 39179555 PMCID: PMC11344136 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining sex-bias in brain structure is of great societal interest to improve diagnostics and treatment of brain-related disorders. So far, studies on sex-bias in brain structure predominantly focus on macro-scale measures, and often ignore factors determining this bias. Here we study sex-bias in cortical and hippocampal microstructure in relation to sex hormones. Investigating quantitative intracortical profiling in-vivo using the T1w/T2w ratio in 1093 healthy females and males of the cross-sectional Human Connectome Project young adult sample, we find that regional cortical and hippocampal microstructure differs between males and females and that the effect size of this sex-bias varies depending on self-reported hormonal status in females. Microstructural sex-bias and expression of sex hormone genes, based on an independent post-mortem sample, are spatially coupled. Lastly, sex-bias is most pronounced in paralimbic areas, with low laminar complexity, which are predicted to be most plastic based on their cytoarchitectural properties. Albeit correlative, our study underscores the importance of incorporating sex hormone variables into the investigation of brain structure and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Küchenhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Şeyma Bayrak
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rachel G Zsido
- Cognitive Neuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amin Saberi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Weis
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - H Lina Schaare
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Sacher
- Centre for Integrative Women's Health and Gender Medicine, Medical Faculty & University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simon Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sofie L Valk
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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14
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Zhang K, He L, Li Z, Ding R, Han X, Chen B, Cao G, Ye JH, Li T, Fu R. Bridging Neurobiological Insights and Clinical Biomarkers in Postpartum Depression: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8835. [PMID: 39201521 PMCID: PMC11354679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 174 million women worldwide and is characterized by profound sadness, anxiety, irritability, and debilitating fatigue, which disrupt maternal caregiving and the mother-infant relationship. Limited pharmacological interventions are currently available. Our understanding of the neurobiological pathophysiology of PPD remains incomplete, potentially hindering the development of novel treatment strategies. Recent hypotheses suggest that PPD is driven by a complex interplay of hormonal changes, neurotransmitter imbalances, inflammation, genetic factors, psychosocial stressors, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. This narrative review examines recent clinical studies on PPD within the past 15 years, emphasizing advancements in neuroimaging findings and blood biomarker detection. Additionally, we summarize recent laboratory work using animal models to mimic PPD, focusing on hormone withdrawal, HPA axis dysfunction, and perinatal stress theories. We also revisit neurobiological results from several brain regions associated with negative emotions, such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. These insights aim to improve our understanding of PPD's neurobiological mechanisms, guiding future research for better early detection, prevention, and personalized treatment strategies for women affected by PPD and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (K.Z.); (L.H.); (Z.L.); (R.D.); (X.H.); (B.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Lingxuan He
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (K.Z.); (L.H.); (Z.L.); (R.D.); (X.H.); (B.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Zhuoen Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (K.Z.); (L.H.); (Z.L.); (R.D.); (X.H.); (B.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Ruxuan Ding
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (K.Z.); (L.H.); (Z.L.); (R.D.); (X.H.); (B.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Xiaojiao Han
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (K.Z.); (L.H.); (Z.L.); (R.D.); (X.H.); (B.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Bingqing Chen
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (K.Z.); (L.H.); (Z.L.); (R.D.); (X.H.); (B.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Guoxin Cao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (K.Z.); (L.H.); (Z.L.); (R.D.); (X.H.); (B.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (K.Z.); (L.H.); (Z.L.); (R.D.); (X.H.); (B.C.); (G.C.)
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15
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Shi R, Tian X, Ji A, Zhang T, Xu H, Qi Z, Zhou L, Zhao C, Li D. A Mixture of Soybean Oil and Lard Alleviates Postpartum Cognitive Impairment via Regulating the Brain Fatty Acid Composition and SCFA/ERK(1/2)/CREB/BDNF Pathway. Nutrients 2024; 16:2641. [PMID: 39203778 PMCID: PMC11357458 DOI: 10.3390/nu16162641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Lard is highly appreciated for its flavor. However, it has not been elucidated how to consume lard while at the same time eliminating its adverse effects on postpartum cognitive function. Female mice were divided into three groups (n = 10): soybean oil (SO), lard oil (LO), and a mixture of soybean oil and lard at a ratio of 1:1 (LS). No significant difference was observed between the SO and LS groups in behavioral testing of the maternal mice, but the LO group was significantly worse compared with these two groups. Moreover, the SO and LS supplementation increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in the brain and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria in feces, thereby mitigating neuroinflammation and lowering the p-ERK(1/2)/ERK(1/2), p-CREB/CREB, and BDNF levels in the brain compared to the LO group. Collectively, the LS group inhibited postpartum cognitive impairment by regulating the brain fatty acid composition, neuroinflammation, gut microbiota, and the SCFA/ERK(1/2)/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway compared to lard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runjia Shi
- Institute of Nutrition and Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (R.S.); (A.J.); (T.Z.); (H.X.); (Z.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Z.)
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xiaoying Tian
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China;
| | - Andong Ji
- Institute of Nutrition and Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (R.S.); (A.J.); (T.Z.); (H.X.); (Z.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Z.)
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Institute of Nutrition and Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (R.S.); (A.J.); (T.Z.); (H.X.); (Z.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Z.)
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Huina Xu
- Institute of Nutrition and Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (R.S.); (A.J.); (T.Z.); (H.X.); (Z.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Z.)
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhongshi Qi
- Institute of Nutrition and Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (R.S.); (A.J.); (T.Z.); (H.X.); (Z.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Z.)
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Liying Zhou
- Institute of Nutrition and Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (R.S.); (A.J.); (T.Z.); (H.X.); (Z.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Z.)
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Chunhui Zhao
- Institute of Nutrition and Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (R.S.); (A.J.); (T.Z.); (H.X.); (Z.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Z.)
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Duo Li
- Institute of Nutrition and Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (R.S.); (A.J.); (T.Z.); (H.X.); (Z.Q.); (L.Z.); (C.Z.)
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
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16
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Llorente V, López-Olañeta M, Blázquez-López E, Vázquez-Ogando E, Martínez-García M, Vaquero J, Carmona S, Desco M, Lara-Pezzi E, Gómez-Gaviro MV. Presence of fetal microchimerisms in the heart and effect on cardiac repair. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1390533. [PMID: 39206089 PMCID: PMC11350564 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1390533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple complex biological processes take place during pregnancy, including the migration of fetal cells to maternal circulation and their subsequent engraftment in maternal tissues, where they form microchimerisms. Fetal microchimerisms have been identified in several tissues; nevertheless, their functional role remains largely unknown. Different reports suggest these cells contribute to tissue repair and modulate the immune response, but they have also been associated with pre-eclampsia and tumor formation. In the maternal heart, cells of fetal origin can contribute to different cell lineages after myocardial infarction. However, the functional role of these cells and their effect on cardiac function and repair are unknown. In this work, we found that microchimerisms of fetal origin are present in the maternal circulation and graft in the heart. To determine their functional role, WT female mice were crossed with male mice expressing the diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor. Mothers were treated with DT to eliminate microchimerisms and the response to myocardial infarction was investigated. We found that removal of microchimerisms improved cardiac contraction in postpartum and post-infarction model females compared to untreated mice, where DT administration had no significant effects. These results suggest that microchimerisms play a detrimental role in the mother following myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Llorente
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Elena Blázquez-López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Ap. Digestivo del HGU Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Vázquez-Ogando
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Ap. Digestivo del HGU Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena Martínez-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Vaquero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Ap. Digestivo del HGU Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Carmona
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain
| | - Enrique Lara-Pezzi
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Victoria Gómez-Gaviro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain
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17
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Rizor EJ, Babenko V, Dundon NM, Beverly‐Aylwin R, Stump A, Hayes M, Herschenfeld‐Catalan L, Jacobs EG, Grafton ST. Menstrual cycle-driven hormone concentrations co-fluctuate with white and gray matter architecture changes across the whole brain. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26785. [PMID: 39031470 PMCID: PMC11258887 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic fluctuations in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG-axis) hormones exert powerful behavioral, structural, and functional effects through actions on the mammalian central nervous system. Yet, very little is known about how these fluctuations alter the structural nodes and information highways of the human brain. In a study of 30 naturally cycling women, we employed multidimensional diffusion and T1-weighted imaging during three estimated menstrual cycle phases (menses, ovulation, and mid-luteal) to investigate whether HPG-axis hormone concentrations co-fluctuate with alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure, cortical thickness (CT), and brain volume. Across the whole brain, 17β-estradiol and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were directly proportional to diffusion anisotropy (μFA; 17β-estradiol: β1 = 0.145, highest density interval (HDI) = [0.211, 0.4]; LH: β1 = 0.111, HDI = [0.157, 0.364]), while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was directly proportional to CT (β1 = 0 .162, HDI = [0.115, 0.678]). Within several individual regions, FSH and progesterone demonstrated opposing relationships with mean diffusivity (Diso) and CT. These regions mainly reside within the temporal and occipital lobes, with functional implications for the limbic and visual systems. Finally, progesterone was associated with increased tissue (β1 = 0.66, HDI = [0.607, 15.845]) and decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; β1 = -0.749, HDI = [-11.604, -0.903]) volumes, with total brain volume remaining unchanged. These results are the first to report simultaneous brain-wide changes in human WM microstructure and CT coinciding with menstrual cycle-driven hormone rhythms. Effects were observed in both classically known HPG-axis receptor-dense regions (medial temporal lobe, prefrontal cortex) and in other regions located across frontal, occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes. Our results suggest that HPG-axis hormone fluctuations may have significant structural impacts across the entire brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Rizor
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Institute for Collaborative BiotechnologiesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Viktoriya Babenko
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- BIOPAC Systems, IncGoletaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Neil M. Dundon
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Institute for Collaborative BiotechnologiesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and PsychosomaticsUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Renee Beverly‐Aylwin
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alexandra Stump
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Margaret Hayes
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Emily G. Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Scott T. Grafton
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Institute for Collaborative BiotechnologiesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
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18
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Spencer H, Parianen Lesemann FH, Buisman RSM, Kraaijenvanger EJ, Branje S, Boks MPM, Bos PA. Facing infant cuteness: How nurturing care motivation and oxytocin system gene methylation are associated with responses to baby schema features. Horm Behav 2024; 164:105595. [PMID: 38972246 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Baby schema features are a specific set of physical features-including chubby cheeks, large, low-set eyes, and a large, round head-that have evolutionary adaptive value in their ability to trigger nurturant care. In this study among nulliparous women (N = 81; M age = 23.60, SD = 0.44), we examined how sensitivity to these baby schema features differs based on individual variations in nurturant care motivation and oxytocin system gene methylation. We integrated subjective ratings with measures of facial expressions and electroencephalography (EEG) in response to infant faces that were manipulated to contain more or less pronounced baby schema features. Linear mixed effects analyses demonstrated that infants with more pronounced baby schema features were rated as cuter and participants indicated greater motivation to take care of them. Furthermore, infants with more pronounced baby schema features elicited stronger smiling responses and enhanced P2 and LPP amplitudes compared to infants with less pronounced baby schema features. Importantly, individual differences significantly predicted baby schema effects. Specifically, women with low OXTR methylation and high nurturance motivation showed enhanced differentiation in automatic neurophysiological responses to infants with high and low levels of baby schema features. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences in continued research to further understand the complexities of sensitivity to child cues, including facial features, which will improve our understanding of the intricate neurobiological system that forms the basis of caregiving behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Spencer
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Renate S M Buisman
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Eline J Kraaijenvanger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim /Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Susan Branje
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marco P M Boks
- Brain Centre University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A Bos
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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19
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Drew L. How pregnancy transforms the brain to prepare it for parenthood. Nature 2024; 632:22-24. [PMID: 39085538 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-02447-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
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Arenaza‐Urquijo EM, Boyle R, Casaletto K, Anstey KJ, Vila‐Castelar C, Colverson A, Palpatzis E, Eissman JM, Kheng Siang Ng T, Raghavan S, Akinci M, Vonk JMJ, Machado LS, Zanwar PP, Shrestha HL, Wagner M, Tamburin S, Sohrabi HR, Loi S, Bartrés‐Faz D, Dubal DB, Vemuri P, Okonkwo O, Hohman TJ, Ewers M, Buckley RF. Sex and gender differences in cognitive resilience to aging and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:5695-5719. [PMID: 38967222 PMCID: PMC11350140 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Sex and gender-biological and social constructs-significantly impact the prevalence of protective and risk factors, influencing the burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD; amyloid beta and tau) and other pathologies (e.g., cerebrovascular disease) which ultimately shape cognitive trajectories. Understanding the interplay of these factors is central to understanding resilience and resistance mechanisms explaining maintained cognitive function and reduced pathology accumulation in aging and AD. In this narrative review, the ADDRESS! Special Interest Group (Alzheimer's Association) adopted a multidisciplinary approach to provide the foundations and recommendations for future research into sex- and gender-specific drivers of resilience, including a sex/gender-oriented review of risk factors, genetics, AD and non-AD pathologies, brain structure and function, and animal research. We urge the field to adopt a sex/gender-aware approach to resilience to advance our understanding of the intricate interplay of biological and social determinants and consider sex/gender-specific resilience throughout disease stages. HIGHLIGHTS: Sex differences in resilience to cognitive decline vary by age and cognitive status. Initial evidence supports sex-specific distinctions in brain pathology. Findings suggest sex differences in the impact of pathology on cognition. There is a sex-specific change in resilience in the transition to clinical stages. Gender and sex factors warrant study: modifiable, immune, inflammatory, and vascular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eider M. Arenaza‐Urquijo
- Environment and Health Over the Life Course Programme, Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health ProgrammeBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)BarcelonaSpain
- University of Pompeu FabraBarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Rory Boyle
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Kaitlin Casaletto
- Department of NeurologyMemory and Aging CenterUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kaarin J. Anstey
- University of New South Wales Ageing Futures InstituteSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Neuroscience Research AustraliaSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Psychology, University of New South WalesSidneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Aaron Colverson
- University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine Interdisciplinary Research LabUniversity of Florida, Center of Arts in MedicineGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Eleni Palpatzis
- Environment and Health Over the Life Course Programme, Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health ProgrammeBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)BarcelonaSpain
- University of Pompeu FabraBarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Jaclyn M. Eissman
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Department of NeurologyVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Vanderbilt Genetics InstituteVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Ted Kheng Siang Ng
- Rush Institute for Healthy Aging and Department of Internal MedicineRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Muge Akinci
- Environment and Health Over the Life Course Programme, Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health ProgrammeBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)BarcelonaSpain
- University of Pompeu FabraBarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Jet M. J. Vonk
- Department of NeurologyMemory and Aging CenterUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Luiza S. Machado
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, FarroupilhaPorto AlegreBrazil
| | - Preeti P. Zanwar
- Jefferson College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- The Network on Life Course and Health Dynamics and Disparities, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Maude Wagner
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement SciencesUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Hamid R. Sohrabi
- Centre for Healthy AgeingHealth Future InstituteMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Psychology, Murdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Samantha Loi
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - David Bartrés‐Faz
- Department of MedicineFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences & Institut de NeurociènciesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la Universitat Autónoma de BarcelonaBadalonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Dena B. Dubal
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Biomedical and Neurosciences Graduate ProgramsUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Ozioma Okonkwo
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Department of MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Timothy J. Hohman
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Department of NeurologyVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Vanderbilt Genetics InstituteVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Michael Ewers
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia ResearchKlinikum der Universität MünchenLudwig Maximilians Universität (LMU)MunichGermany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE, Munich)MunichGermany
| | - Rachel F. Buckley
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Rotondi V, Allegra M, Kashyap R, Barban N, Sironi M, Reverberi C. Enduring maternal brain changes and their role in mediating motherhood's impact on well-being. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16608. [PMID: 39025996 PMCID: PMC11258333 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Parenthood, particularly motherhood, is known to impact the structure and function of the brain in the short term, but the long-term effects of parenthood and their impacts on well-being are still poorly understood. This study explores the potential longer-term associations between parenthood and the brain, parenthood and well-being, and the potential role of brain modifications in influencing mothers' well-being. Using data from the UK Biobank, which includes brain imaging information from individuals aged 45-82 at the MRI scanning, we discovered differences in brain structure between mothers and non-mothers, with mothers exhibiting widely distributed higher gray matter density, particularly strong in frontal and occipital regions. No brain changes were observed in fathers. Parents reported a higher sense of life's meaning compared to their childless counterparts. Gray matter changes did not mediate the relationship between motherhood and well-being. This suggests that the alterations in gray matter associated with motherhood do not play a deterministic role in shaping long-term changes in well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rotondi
- SUPSI, Lugano, Switzerland.
- University of Oxford & Nuffield College, Oxford, UK.
- Milan Center for Neuroscience - NeuroMI, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | - Carlo Reverberi
- Milan Center for Neuroscience - NeuroMI, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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22
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Maxwell AM. What happens to the brain during pregnancy? J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e183888. [PMID: 39007265 PMCID: PMC11245145 DOI: 10.1172/jci183888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
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23
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Hand LK, Taylor MK, Sullivan DK, Siengsukon CF, Morris JK, Martin LE, Hull HR. Pregnancy as a window of opportunity for dementia prevention: a narrative review. Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38970804 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2371727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Dementia is a debilitating condition with a disproportionate impact on women. While sex differences in longevity contribute to the disparity, the role of the female sex as a biological variable in disease progression is not yet fully elucidated. Metabolic dysfunctions are drivers of dementia etiology, and cardiometabolic diseases are among the most influential modifiable risk factors. Pregnancy is a time of enhanced vulnerability for metabolic disorders. Many dementia risk factors, such as hypertension or blood glucose dysregulation, often emerge for the first time in pregnancy. While such cardiometabolic complications in pregnancy pose a risk to the health trajectory of a woman, increasing her odds of developing type 2 diabetes or chronic hypertension, it is not fully understood how this relates to her risk for dementia. Furthermore, structural and functional changes in the maternal brain have been reported during pregnancy suggesting it is a time of neuroplasticity for the mother. Therefore, pregnancy may be a window of opportunity to optimize metabolic health and support the maternal brain. Healthy dietary patterns are known to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and have been linked to dementia prevention, yet interventions targeting cognitive function in late life have largely been unsuccessful. Earlier interventions are needed to address the underlying metabolic dysfunctions and potentially reduce the risk of dementia, and pregnancy offers an ideal opportunity to intervene. This review discusses current evidence regarding maternal brain health and the potential window of opportunity in pregnancy to use diet to address neurological health disparities for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Hand
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Matthew K Taylor
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Debra K Sullivan
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Catherine F Siengsukon
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jill K Morris
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Laura E Martin
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Holly R Hull
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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24
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Zhou L, Chen X, Zhang G, Sui Y, Hou L, Hu F, Xia X, Luo S, Peng X, Yue J, Dong B, Dong B, Liu X. Associations of parity and cognitive decline, depression, and chronic comorbidity in West China: Results from WCHAT study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 38967049 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the associations between parity (the number of offspring a female has borne) and cognitive function, depression, and chronic comorbidity in Western China. METHODS A total of 846 women aged 50-55 years were included in the current analysis. Cognitive status was measured using a 10-item short portable mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS-15). Other characteristics were self-reported. The associations between parity and cognitive decline, depression, and chronic comorbidity were analyzed using univariable and multivariable models. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, ethnic group, occupation, marital status, educational level, lifestyle factors, and sleeping time. RESULTS Among the enrolled women, 26.71% were either childless or had one child, 47.40% had two children, 18.32% had three children, and 7.57% had ≥4 children. Compared to women with low parity, women with two or more children exhibited a higher risk of cognitive decline. Moreover, having four or more children was significantly associated with depression and chronic comorbidity. After adjusting covariates, women with three or more children exhibited a higher risk of cognitive decline than those with low parity. However, high parity was not significantly associated with depression or chronic comorbidity after adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSION Our study showed that ≥3 children was associated with cognitive decline in women. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate this conclusion and to investigate the mechanisms involved. More importantly, families and societies should pay more attention to women's long-term health outcomes related to fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixing Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Zigong Mental Health Center, Zigong, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Gongchang Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yunpeng Sui
- Plastic and Aesthetic Department, West China Tianfu Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lisha Hou
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fengjuan Hu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xin Xia
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Shuyue Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xuchao Peng
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jirong Yue
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Biao Dong
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Birong Dong
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Geriatric Health Care and Medical Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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25
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Sabiniewicz A, Pieniak M, Hummel T. Pregnant women exhibit decreased trigeminal sensitivity. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3597. [PMID: 38956811 PMCID: PMC11219288 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemosensory function in pregnant women is far from being fully understood due to the lack of data and inconsistencies between the results of self-reports and objective studies. METHODS In the present study in pregnant and non-pregnant women (npregnant = 14, nnon-pregnant = 13), we measured EEG-derived electrophysiological response measures supported by psychophysical olfactory and trigeminal tests. RESULTS Results indicate that the olfactory event-related potential amplitudes or latencies of the P1, N1, and P2 components remain unchanged in pregnant women. In accordance with these findings, no difference was observed between pregnant and non-pregnant women in psychophysical olfactory tests. However, pregnant women displayed a lower degree of sensitivity to trigeminal stimuli compared to non-pregnant controls, which was also reflected in the electrophysiological responses to trigeminal stimuli. CONCLUSION Counterintuitive as they may seem, our findings demonstrate a "flattening" of chemosomatosensory responses. Psychological processes occurring during pregnancy, such as changes in socioemotional perception of odors resulting from the diminished stress response, may provide a background to these results. Overall, the present results indicate the absence of major differences between non-pregnant and pregnant women in terms of measured olfactory function though chemosomatosensory function of the pregnant women appears to be decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sabiniewicz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell & Taste ClinicTU DresdenDresdenGermany
- Department of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, Institute of PsychologyUniversity of WroclawWroclawPoland
| | - Michał Pieniak
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell & Taste ClinicTU DresdenDresdenGermany
- Department of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, Institute of PsychologyUniversity of WroclawWroclawPoland
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell & Taste ClinicTU DresdenDresdenGermany
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Bradshaw JL, Wilson EN, Gardner JJ, Mabry S, Tucker SM, Rybalchenko N, Vera E, Goulopoulou S, Cunningham RL. Pregnancy-induced oxidative stress and inflammation are not associated with impaired maternal neuronal activity or memory function. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2024; 327:R35-R45. [PMID: 38708544 PMCID: PMC11381002 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00026.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with neural and behavioral plasticity, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress, yet the impact of inflammation and oxidative stress on maternal neural and behavioral plasticity during pregnancy is unclear. We hypothesized that healthy pregnancy transiently reduces learning and memory and these deficits are associated with pregnancy-induced elevations in inflammation and oxidative stress. Cognitive performance was tested with novel object recognition (recollective memory), Morris water maze (spatial memory), and open field (anxiety-like) behavior tasks in female Sprague-Dawley rats of varying reproductive states [nonpregnant (nulliparous), pregnant (near term), and 1-2 mo after pregnancy (primiparous); n = 7 or 8/group]. Plasma and CA1 proinflammatory cytokines were measured with a MILLIPLEX magnetic bead assay. Plasma oxidative stress was measured via advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) assay. CA1 markers of oxidative stress, neuronal activity, and apoptosis were quantified via Western blot analysis. Our results demonstrate that CA1 oxidative stress-associated markers were elevated in pregnant compared with nulliparous rats (P ≤ 0.017) but there were equivalent levels in pregnant and primiparous rats. In contrast, reproductive state did not impact CA1 inflammatory cytokines, neuronal activity, or apoptosis. Likewise, there was no effect of reproductive state on recollective or spatial memory. Even so, spatial learning was impaired (P ≤ 0.007) whereas anxiety-like behavior (P ≤ 0.034) was reduced in primiparous rats. Overall, our data suggest that maternal hippocampal CA1 is protected from systemic inflammation but vulnerable to peripartum oxidative stress. Peripartum oxidative stress elevations, such as in pregnancy complications, may contribute to peripartum neural and behavioral plasticity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Healthy pregnancy is associated with elevated maternal systemic and brain oxidative stress. During postpregnancy, brain oxidative stress remains elevated whereas systemic oxidative stress is resolved. This sustained maternal brain oxidative stress is associated with learning impairments and decreased anxiety-like behavior during the postpregnancy period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Bradshaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - E Nicole Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Jennifer J Gardner
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Steve Mabry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Selina M Tucker
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Nataliya Rybalchenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Edward Vera
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Styliani Goulopoulou
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, Departments of Basic Sciences, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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de Lange AMG, Leonardsen EH, Barth C, Schindler LS, Crestol A, Holm MC, Subramaniapillai S, Hill D, Alnæs D, Westlye LT. Parental status and markers of brain and cellular age: A 3D convolutional network and classification study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107040. [PMID: 38636355 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Recent research shows prominent effects of pregnancy and the parenthood transition on structural brain characteristics in humans. Here, we present a comprehensive study of how parental status and number of children born/fathered links to markers of brain and cellular ageing in 36,323 UK Biobank participants (age range 44.57-82.06 years; 52% female). To assess global effects of parenting on the brain, we trained a 3D convolutional neural network on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images, and estimated brain age in a held-out test set. To investigate regional specificity, we extracted cortical and subcortical volumes using FreeSurfer, and ran hierarchical clustering to group regional volumes based on covariance. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) derived from DNA was used as a marker of cellular ageing. We employed linear regression models to assess relationships between number of children, brain age, regional brain volumes, and LTL, and included interaction terms to probe sex differences in associations. Lastly, we used the brain measures and LTL as features in binary classification models, to determine if markers of brain and cellular ageing could predict parental status. The results showed associations between a greater number of children born/fathered and younger brain age in both females and males, with stronger effects observed in females. Volume-based analyses showed maternal effects in striatal and limbic regions, which were not evident in fathers. We found no evidence for associations between number of children and LTL. Classification of parental status showed an Area under the ROC Curve (AUC) of 0.57 for the brain age model, while the models using regional brain volumes and LTL as predictors showed AUCs of 0.52. Our findings align with previous population-based studies of middle- and older-aged parents, revealing subtle but significant associations between parental experience and neuroimaging-based surrogate markers of brain health. The findings further corroborate results from longitudinal cohort studies following parents across pregnancy and postpartum, potentially indicating that the parenthood transition is associated with long-term influences on brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Louise S Schindler
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arielle Crestol
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sivaniya Subramaniapillai
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dónal Hill
- Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC), EPFL-ETHZ, Switzerland
| | - Dag Alnæs
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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28
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Tabib M, Humphrey T, Forbes-McKay K. The influence of antenatal relaxation classes on perinatal psychological wellbeing and childbirth experiences: a qualitative study. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38895982 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2369937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that antenatal education incorporating relaxation practices can positively influence perinatal psychological wellbeing. However, a paucity of qualitative research is evident. Gaining insight into how and why such education may influence childbearing women, can inform the design of effective educational interventions. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of women and their partners on how and why a single Antenatal Relaxation Class (ARC) might influence perinatal psychological wellbeing and childbirth experiences. METHOD In this descriptive qualitative study, 17 women and 9 partners participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study was carried out in a Scottish NHS Health Board where ARC was provided to expectant parents. FINDINGS Two themes were generated, namely: 'the turning point', and 'recognition of an inner resource'. Participants perceived ARC as 'the turning point' when they became more confident, equipped, and less fearful and anxious towards childbirth. 'Understanding of the psychophysiological processes of childbirth', 'positive stories', and 'practice of relaxation techniques' were reported as the main reasons for these positive changes. Participants explained ARC had enabled them to access a deep sense of calmness as 'an inner resource' and motivated the use of relaxation techniques as a self-care behaviour throughout pregnancy and childbirth. CONCLUSION A single antenatal relaxation class has the potential to enhance perinatal psychological wellbeing and childbirth experiences. This study provides valuable insights for maternity services seeking to develop effective health-promoting antenatal education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Tabib
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Tracy Humphrey
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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29
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Han X, Cramer SR, Chan DCY, Zhang N. Exploring memory-related network via dorsal hippocampus suppression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.03.597201. [PMID: 38895299 PMCID: PMC11185736 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.03.597201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Memory is a complex brain process that requires coordinated activities in a large-scale brain network. However, the relationship between coordinated brain network activities and memory-related behavior is not well understood. In this study, we investigated this issue by suppressing the activity in the dorsal hippocampus (dHP) using chemogenetics and measuring the corresponding changes in brain-wide resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and memory behavior in awake rats. We identified an extended brain network contributing to the performance in a spatial-memory related task. Our results were cross-validated using two different chemogenetic actuators, clozapine (CLZ) and clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). This study provides a brain network interpretation of memory performance, indicating that memory is associated with coordinated brain-wide neural activities. Significance Statement Successful memory processes require coordinated activity in a large-scale brain network, extending beyond a few key, well-known brain regions like the hippocampus. However, the specific brain regions involved and how they orchestrate their activity that is pertinent to memory processing remain unclear. Our study, using a chemogenetics-rsfMRI- behavior approach in awake rats, elucidates a comprehensive framework of the extended memory-associated network. This knowledge offers a broader interpretation of memory processes, enhancing our understanding of the neural mechanisms behind memory function, particularly from a network perspective.
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Dufford A, Patterson G, Kim P. Longitudinal Neuroanatomical Increases from Early to One-Year Postpartum. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4432804. [PMID: 38883787 PMCID: PMC11178002 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4432804/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have provided causal evidence that the postpartum period involves regional neuroanatomical changes in 'maternal' brain regions to support the transition to offspring caregiving. Few studies, in humans, have examined neuroanatomical changes from early to one-year postpartum with longitudinal neuroimaging data and their association with postpartum mood changes. In this study, we examined longitudinal changes in surface morphometry (cortical thickness and surface area) in regions previously implicated in the transition to parenthood. We also examined longitudinal volumetric neuroanatomical changes in three subcortical regions of the maternal brain: the hippocampus, amygdala, and ventral diencephalon. Twenty-four participants underwent longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging at 2-4 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Cortical thickness increased from early to one-year postpartum in the left (p = .003, Bonferroni corrected) and right (p = .02, Bonferroni corrected) superior frontal gyrus. No significant increases (or decreases) were observed in these regions for surface area. Volumetric increases, across the postpartum period, were found in the left amygdala (p = .001, Bonferroni corrected) and right ventral diencephalon (p = .01, Bonferroni corrected). An exploratory analysis of depressive symptoms found reductions in depressive symptoms from early postpartum to one-year postpartum were associated with greater cortical thickness in the superior frontal gyrus for both the left (p = .02) and right (p = .02) hemispheres. The findings expand our evidence of the neuroanatomical changes that occur across the postpartum period in humans and motivate future studies to examine how mood changes across this period are associated with cortical thickness of the superior frontal gyrus.
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Spalek K, Straathof M, Koyuncu L, Grydeland H, van der Geest A, Van't Hof SR, Crone EA, Barba-Müller E, Carmona S, Denys D, Tamnes CK, Burke S, Hoekzema E. Pregnancy renders anatomical changes in hypothalamic substructures of the human brain that relate to aspects of maternal behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 164:107021. [PMID: 38492349 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Animal studies have shown that pregnancy is associated with neural adaptations that promote maternal care. The hypothalamus represents a central structure of the mammalian maternal brain and hormonal priming of specific hypothalamic nuclei plays a key role in the induction and expression of maternal behavior. In humans, we have previously demonstrated that becoming a mother involves changes in grey matter anatomy, primarily in association areas of the cerebral cortex. In the current study, we investigated whether pregnancy renders anatomical changes in the hypothalamus. Using an advanced delineation technique, five hypothalamic substructures were defined in longitudinal MRI scans of 107 women extracted from two prospective pre-conception cohort studies, including 50 women who were scanned before and after pregnancy and 57 nulliparous control women scanned at a similar time interval. We showed that becoming a mother is associated with volume reductions in the anterior-superior, superior tuberal and posterior hypothalamus. In addition, these structural changes related to hormonal levels during pregnancy and specific aspects of self-reported maternal behavior in late pregnancy, including maternal-fetal attachment and nesting behavior. These findings show that pregnancy leads to changes in hypothalamic anatomy and suggest that these contribute to the development of maternal behavior in humans, supporting the conservation of key aspects of maternal brain circuitry and their role in maternal behavior across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Spalek
- Hoekzema Lab, Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC), location University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Milou Straathof
- Hoekzema Lab, Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC), location University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lal Koyuncu
- Brain and Development Research Center, Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Håkon Grydeland
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC), Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Anouk van der Geest
- Brain and Development Research Center, Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie R Van't Hof
- Hoekzema Lab, Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC), location University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eveline A Crone
- Brain and Development Research Center, Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Susana Carmona
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Damiaan Denys
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC), location University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christian K Tamnes
- PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sarah Burke
- Brain and Development Research Center, Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Elseline Hoekzema
- Hoekzema Lab, Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC), location University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Cárdenas SI, Waizman Y, Truong V, Sellery P, Stoycos SA, Yeh FC, Rajagopalan V, Saxbe DE. White matter microstructure organization across the transition to fatherhood. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101374. [PMID: 38615555 PMCID: PMC11021911 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition to parenthood remains an understudied window of potential neuroplasticity in the adult brain. White matter microstructural (WMM) organization, which reflects structural connectivity in the brain, has shown plasticity across the lifespan. No studies have examined how WMM organization changes from the prenatal to postpartum period in men becoming fathers. This study investigates WMM organization in men transitioning to first-time fatherhood. We performed diffusion-weighted imaging to identify differences in WMM organization, as indexed by fractional anisotropy (FA). We also investigated whether FA changes were associated with fathers' postpartum mental health. Associations between mental health and WMM organization have not been rarely examined in parents, who may be vulnerable to mental health problems. Fathers exhibited reduced FA at the whole-brain level, especially in the cingulum, a tract associated with emotional regulation. Fathers also displayed reduced FA in the corpus callosum, especially in the forceps minor, which is implicated in cognitive functioning. Postpartum depressive symptoms were linked with increases and decreases in FA, but FA was not correlated with perceived or parenting stress. Findings provide novel insight into fathers' WMM organization during the transition to parenthood and suggest postpartum depression may be linked with fathers' neuroplasticity during the transition to parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia I Cárdenas
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Yael Waizman
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Van Truong
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Pia Sellery
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Sarah A Stoycos
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Fang-Cheng Yeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Vidya Rajagopalan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Darby E Saxbe
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, USA.
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Forero SA, Liu S, Shetty N, Ophir AG. Re-wiring of the bonded brain: Gene expression among pair bonded female prairie voles changes as they transition to motherhood. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 23:e12906. [PMID: 38861664 PMCID: PMC11166254 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Motherhood is a costly life-history transition accompanied by behavioral and neural plasticity necessary for offspring care. Motherhood in the monogamous prairie vole is associated with decreased pair bond strength, suggesting a trade-off between parental investment and pair bond maintenance. Neural mechanisms governing pair bonds and maternal bonds overlap, creating possible competition between the two. We measured mRNA expression of genes encoding receptors for oxytocin (oxtr), dopamine (d1r and d2r), mu-opioids (oprm1a), and kappa-opioids (oprk1a) within three brain areas processing salience of sociosensory cues (anterior cingulate cortex; ACC), pair bonding (nucleus accumbens; NAc), and maternal care (medial preoptic area; MPOA). We compared gene expression differences between pair bonded prairie voles that were never pregnant, pregnant (~day 16 of pregnancy), and recent mothers (day 3 of lactation). We found greater gene expression in the NAc (oxtr, d2r, oprm1a, and oprk1a) and MPOA (oxtr, d1r, d2r, oprm1a, and oprk1a) following the transition to motherhood. Expression for all five genes in the ACC was greatest for females that had been bonded for longer. Gene expression within each region was highly correlated, indicating that oxytocin, dopamine, and opioids comprise a complimentary gene network for social signaling. ACC-NAc gene expression correlations indicated that being a mother (oxtr and d1r) or maintaining long-term pair bonds (oprm1a) relies on the coordination of different signaling systems within the same circuit. Our study suggests the maternal brain undergoes changes that prepare females to face the trade-off associated with increased emotional investment in offspring, while also maintaining a pair bond.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Arvicolinae/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Pair Bond
- Maternal Behavior/physiology
- Nucleus Accumbens/metabolism
- Pregnancy
- Receptors, Oxytocin/genetics
- Receptors, Oxytocin/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism
- Preoptic Area/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/genetics
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sydney Liu
- Department of PsychologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Netra Shetty
- Department of PsychologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
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Grotzinger H, Pritschet L, Shapturenka P, Santander T, Murata EM, Jacobs EG. Diurnal Fluctuations in Steroid Hormones Tied to Variation in Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in a Densely Sampled Male. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1856232024. [PMID: 38627091 PMCID: PMC11140665 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1856-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of mammalian physiology is under the control of biological rhythms, including the endocrine system with time-varying hormone secretion. Precision neuroimaging studies provide unique insights into how the endocrine system dynamically regulates aspects of the human brain. Recently, we established estrogen's ability to drive widespread patterns of connectivity and enhance the global efficiency of large-scale brain networks in a woman sampled every 24 h across 30 consecutive days, capturing a complete menstrual cycle. Steroid hormone production also follows a pronounced sinusoidal pattern, with a peak in testosterone between 6 and 7 A.M. and nadir between 7 and 8 P.M. To capture the brain's response to diurnal changes in hormone production, we carried out a companion precision imaging study of a healthy adult man who completed MRI and venipuncture every 12-24 h across 30 consecutive days. Results confirmed robust diurnal fluctuations in testosterone, 17β-estradiol-the primary form of estrogen-and cortisol. Standardized regression analyses revealed widespread associations between testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol concentrations and whole-brain patterns of coherence. In particular, functional connectivity in the Dorsal Attention Network was coupled with diurnally fluctuating hormones. Further, comparing dense-sampling datasets between a man and a naturally cycling woman revealed that fluctuations in sex hormones are tied to patterns of whole-brain coherence in both sexes and to a heightened degree in the male. Together, these findings enhance our understanding of steroid hormones as rapid neuromodulators and provide evidence that diurnal changes in steroid hormones are associated with patterns of whole-brain functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Grotzinger
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Laura Pritschet
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Pavel Shapturenka
- Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Tyler Santander
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Elle M Murata
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
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35
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Lotter LD, Nehls S, Losse E, Dukart J, Chechko N. Temporal dissociation between local and global functional adaptations of the maternal brain to childbirth: a longitudinal assessment. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01880-9. [PMID: 38769432 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01880-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The maternal brain undergoes significant reorganization during birth and the postpartum period. However, the temporal dynamics of these changes remain unclear. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we report on local and global brain function alterations in 75 mothers in their first postpartum week, compared to 23 nulliparous women. In a subsample followed longitudinally for the next six months, we observed a temporal and spatial dissociation between changes observed at baseline (cluster mass permutation: pFWE < 0.05). Local activity and connectivity changes in widespread neocortical regions persisted throughout the studied time period (ANCOVAs vs. controls: pFDR < 0.05), with preliminary evidence linking these alterations to behavioral and psychological adaptations (interaction effect with postpartum time: uncorrected p < 0.05). In contrast, the initially reduced whole-brain connectivity of putamen-centered subcortical areas returned to control levels within six to nine weeks postpartum (linear and quadratic mixed linear models: pFDR < 0.05). The whole-brain spatial colocalization with hormone receptor distributions (Spearman correlations: pFDR < 0.05) and preliminary blood hormone associations (interaction effect with postpartum time: uncorrected p < 0.05) suggested that the postpartum restoration of progesterone levels may underlie this rapid normalization. These observations enhance our understanding of healthy maternal brain function, contributing to the identification of potential markers for pathological postpartum adaptation processes, which in turn could underlie postpartum psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon D Lotter
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behavior (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Max Planck School of Cognition; Stephanstrasse 1A, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Susanne Nehls
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, JARA-Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship (INM-10), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Elena Losse
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Juergen Dukart
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behavior (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Natalya Chechko
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behavior (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, JARA-Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship (INM-10), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
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Donofry SD, Winograd D, Kothari D, Call CC, Magee KE, Jouppi RJ, Conlon RPK, Levine MD. Mindfulness in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Protocol of a Pilot Randomized Trial of Virtually Delivered Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to Promote Well-Being during the Perinatal Period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:622. [PMID: 38791836 PMCID: PMC11121592 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the period from pregnancy through the first year postpartum, vulnerable individuals are at elevated risk for the onset or worsening of psychological distress, and accessible (e.g., virtually delivered) mental health interventions are needed. Research suggests that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can effectively mitigate psychological distress, although few studies have evaluated MBCT in the perinatal period, and samples have been clinically homogenous. Thus, we have designed and are conducting a pilot trial of virtually delivered MBCT with pregnant individuals experiencing a range of psychological symptoms to assess its feasibility and preliminarily explore its effectiveness. Here, we present the study protocol. METHODS Eligible participants (target N = 70) are ≥18 years with pregnancies between 12 and 30 weeks of gestation. Participants complete a diagnostic interview, self-report symptom ratings, and a computerized cognitive battery assessing self-regulation at the baseline. Participants are then randomized to either MBCT or care as usual. The MBCT intervention involves eight weekly group sessions delivered virtually, with each session focusing on a mindfulness practice followed by group discussion and skill development. Participants in the intervention group are also encouraged to practice mindfulness skills between sessions. Participants in the control condition are provided with information about mindfulness and treatment resources. Baseline measures are repeated following the eight-week intervention period and at three months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study is designed to evaluate the feasibility of virtually delivered MBCT and explore group differences in psychological symptoms during the perinatal period, and will lay the foundation for a larger clinical trial focused on optimizing this intervention to improve psychological functioning among diverse pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon D. Donofry
- RAND, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Dayna Winograd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Diva Kothari
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Christine C. Call
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kelsey E. Magee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Riley J. Jouppi
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Rachel P. Kolko Conlon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michele D. Levine
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Pritschet L, Taylor CM, Cossio D, Santander T, Grotzinger H, Faskowitz J, Handwerker DA, Layher E, Chrastil ER, Jacobs EG. Neuroanatomical changes observed over the course of a human pregnancy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.14.571688. [PMID: 38168195 PMCID: PMC10760186 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.571688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a period of profound hormonal and physiological change experienced by millions of women annually, yet the neural changes unfolding in the maternal brain throughout gestation have not been studied in humans. Leveraging precision imaging, we mapped neuroanatomical changes in an individual from preconception through two years postpartum. Pronounced decreases in gray matter volume and cortical thickness were evident across the brain, which stand in contrast to increases in white matter microstructural integrity, ventricle volume, and cerebrospinal fluid, with few regions untouched by the transition to motherhood. This dataset serves as the first comprehensive map of the human brain across gestation, providing an open-access resource for the brain imaging community to stimulate further exploration and discovery.
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38
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Orchard ER, Chopra S, Ooi LQR, Chen P, An L, Jamadar SD, Yeo BTT, Rutherford HJV, Holmes AJ. Protective role of parenthood on age-related brain function in mid- to late-life. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.03.592382. [PMID: 38746272 PMCID: PMC11092769 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.03.592382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The experience of parenthood can profoundly alter one's body, mind, and environment, yet we know little about the long-term associations between parenthood and brain function and aging in adulthood. Here, we investigate the link between number of children parented (parity) and age on brain function in 19,964 females and 17,607 males from the UK Biobank. In both females and males, increased parity was positively associated with functional connectivity, particularly within the somato/motor network. Critically, the spatial topography of parity-linked effects was inversely correlated with the impact of age on functional connectivity across the brain for both females and males, suggesting that a higher number of children is associated with patterns of brain function in the opposite direction to age-related alterations. These results indicate that the changes accompanying parenthood may confer benefits to brain health across the lifespan, highlighting the importance of future work to understand the associated mechanisms.
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Bjertrup AJ, Jahn FS, Schütt Hansen L, Miskowiak KW. Affective cognition in response to infant stimuli in pregnant compared with non-pregnant women. Women Health 2024; 64:427-439. [PMID: 38804120 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2024.2349562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Physiological, neurocognitive, and psychological changes facilitates adaptation to motherhood. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women in affective cognitive and psychophysiological responses to infant stimuli. We hypothesized that pregnant women would display (I) reduced negative emotional reactivity and perception of distressed infant stimuli, (II) increased attention toward infants compared to adults, and (III) greater psychophysiological response to infant distress. The sample comprised 22 pregnant women (22-38 weeks gestation) and 18 non-pregnant nulliparous women. Four computerized tasks were administered to measure affective cognitive processing of infant stimuli, while recording facial expressions, electrodermal activity, and eye gazes. Results indicated that pregnant women exhibited fewer negative facial expressions, reported less frustration when exposed to distressed infant cries, and showed greater attention to emotional infant faces compared to non-pregnant women, but the differences did not remain statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. No differences were observed in psychophysiological responses. The findings indicate a possible pregnancy-mediated effect regarding the cognitive processing of infant stimuli, potentially as preparation for motherhood. Future research with larger samples and longitudinal design is needed to understand the predictors, timing, and plasticity of cognitive changes during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Juul Bjertrup
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frida Simon Jahn
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Schütt Hansen
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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40
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Raz S. Comprehensive assessment of memory function, inhibitory control, neural activity, and cortisol levels in late pregnancy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1535:42-61. [PMID: 38622960 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
A considerable proportion of women subjectively perceive a detriment to their cognitive capacity during pregnancy, with decreased memory functions being the most frequently self-reported concerns. However, objective investigation of these perceived cognitive deficits has yielded inconsistent results. This study focused on memory functions during late pregnancy using multiple tasks designed to assess various memory indices, for example, working memory, learning rate, immediate recall, proactive and retroactive interference, delayed recall, retrieval efficiency, visuospatial constructional ability, recognition, and executive function. Additionally, sustained attention and inhibitory control were examined using a combined recognition stop-signal task. Electrophysiological brain activity during this task was recorded using a 128-channel electroencephalographic-event-related potential system. Salivary cortisol levels were assessed both prior to and following the experimental session. In contrast to the widely held belief, results demonstrated that women in late pregnancy did not exhibit a decline in their performance across the various memory tests. In terms of accuracy, there was not a single task in which poorer performance was found for pregnant women. The quality of memory performance was comparable, and in some cases even superior, among women in the pregnancy group. On the stop-signal task, pregnant women exhibited significantly better performance, and their electrophysiological data revealed greater centrally distributed P300 amplitude to "stop" signs, which may signify an enhanced neural efficiency in the domains of inhibitory executive control. Endocrine results revealed that pregnant women exhibited significantly lower levels of salivary cortisol, suggesting an attenuation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis activity, which may contribute to the optimization of fetal development and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivan Raz
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, The Center for Psychobiological Research, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, Israel
- Department of Psychology, Tel Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
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Martínez-García M, Jacobs EG, de Lange AMG, Carmona S. Advancing the neuroscience of human pregnancy. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:805-807. [PMID: 38600168 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01629-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Martínez-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susana Carmona
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Charlot-Swilley D, Thomas K, Mondi CF, Willis DW, Condon MC. A Holistic Approach to Early Relational Health: Cultivating Culture, Diversity, and Equity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:563. [PMID: 38791778 PMCID: PMC11121716 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Early Relational Health (ERH) is the foundation for infant and child emotional and social wellbeing. ERH is a quality of relationships co-created by infants, caregivers, and other members of their families and communities from pregnancy through childhood. Relationships themselves are not ERH; rather, ERH can be a feature of relationships. Those that are characterized by positive, shared emotionality become contexts within which members co-develop mutual capacities that enable them to prevail and flourish. This essay offers a synthesis of current knowledge about ERH in the US and begins to integrate Indigenous and non-Indigenous research and knowledge about ERH in the hope that readers will embrace "Etuaptmumk"-"Two-Eyed Seeing". The authors maintain that systems of care for infants, families, and their communities must first and foremost attend to revitalization, cultural context, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Authors discuss key concepts in ERH; Indigenous and non-Indigenous research that inform ERH; structural and systemic factors in the US that affect ERH ecosystems; the critical intersections of culture, diversity, equity; the broader concept of village support for fostering ERH; and efforts to revitalize ERH discourse, practices, and policies. The authors advocate for a holistic approach to ERH and suggest future directions for research and advocacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christina F. Mondi
- Brazelton Touchpoints Center, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - David W. Willis
- Center for the Study of Social Policy, Washington, DC 20005, USA;
| | - Marie-Celeste Condon
- Independent Consultant and Researcher, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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Dimcea DAM, Petca RC, Dumitrașcu MC, Șandru F, Mehedințu C, Petca A. Postpartum Depression: Etiology, Treatment, and Consequences for Maternal Care. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:865. [PMID: 38732283 PMCID: PMC11083152 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14090865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a disabling condition that has recently shown an increase in prevalence, becoming an essential public health problem. This study is a qualitative review summarizing the most frequent risk factors associated with PPD, evaluating molecular aspects of PPD and current approaches to detect and prevent PPD. The most prevalent risk factors were detected in the areas of economic and social factors, obstetrical history, lifestyle, and history of mental illness. Research on the genetic basis for PPD has taken place in recent years to identify the genes responsible for establishing targeted therapeutic methods and understanding its pathogenesis. The most frequently studied candidate gene was the serotonin transporter gene (SERT) associated with PPD. Among biological studies, antidepressants and psychological interventions provided the most evidence of successful intervention. The obstetrician can serve an essential role in screening for and treating PPD. Postpartum women with risk factors should be screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), but, at the moment, there are no prevention programs in Europe. In conclusion, data from this review increase concerns among this vulnerable population and can be used to design a screening tool for high-risk pregnant women and create a prevention program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana Anne-Marie Dimcea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.-M.D.); (M.C.D.); (C.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Răzvan-Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Urology, “Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele” Clinical Hospital, 050659 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Cristian Dumitrașcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.-M.D.); (M.C.D.); (C.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Șandru
- Department of Dermatology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Dermatology, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudia Mehedințu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.-M.D.); (M.C.D.); (C.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011171 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.-M.D.); (M.C.D.); (C.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
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Canet-Vélez O, Besa ME, Sanromà-Ortíz M, Espada-Trespalacios X, Escuriet R, Prats-Viedma B, Cobo J, Ollé-Gonzalez J, Vela-Vallespín E, Casañas R. Incidence of Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Catalonia: An Observational Study of Protective and Risk Factors. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:826. [PMID: 38667588 PMCID: PMC11050101 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12080826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and childbirth have a great impact on women's lives; traumatic perinatal experiences can adversely affect mental health. The present study analyzes the incidence of perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Catalonia in 2021 from data obtained from the Registry of Morbidity and Use of Health Resources of Catalonia (MUSSCAT). The incidence of perinatal PTSD (1.87%) was lower than in comparable studies, suggesting underdiagnosis. Poisson regression adjusting for age, income, gestational weeks at delivery, type of delivery, and parity highlighted the influence of sociodemographics, and characteristics of the pregnancy and delivery on the risk of developing perinatal PTSD. These findings underline the need for further research on the risk factors identified and for the early detection and effective management of PTSD in the perinatal setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Canet-Vélez
- Global Health, Gender and Society (GHenderS), Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (O.C.-V.); (M.E.B.); (X.E.-T.); (R.E.); (J.O.-G.); (R.C.)
- Official College of Nurses of Barcelona, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
- Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Escalé Besa
- Global Health, Gender and Society (GHenderS), Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (O.C.-V.); (M.E.B.); (X.E.-T.); (R.E.); (J.O.-G.); (R.C.)
- Catalan Health Institute, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Gynegology and Obstetrics, Parc Taulí University Hospital, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Montserrat Sanromà-Ortíz
- Global Health, Gender and Society (GHenderS), Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (O.C.-V.); (M.E.B.); (X.E.-T.); (R.E.); (J.O.-G.); (R.C.)
- Igualada Health Campus, University of Lleida, 25002 Igualada, Spain
| | - Xavier Espada-Trespalacios
- Global Health, Gender and Society (GHenderS), Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (O.C.-V.); (M.E.B.); (X.E.-T.); (R.E.); (J.O.-G.); (R.C.)
- Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), Catalan Department of Health, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón Escuriet
- Global Health, Gender and Society (GHenderS), Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (O.C.-V.); (M.E.B.); (X.E.-T.); (R.E.); (J.O.-G.); (R.C.)
- Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), Catalan Department of Health, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blanca Prats-Viedma
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia (ASPCAT), Catalan Department of Health, 08005 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Jesús Cobo
- Perinatal Mental Health Program, Mental Health Department, Parc Taulí University Hospital, 08208 Sabadell, Spain;
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Ollé-Gonzalez
- Global Health, Gender and Society (GHenderS), Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (O.C.-V.); (M.E.B.); (X.E.-T.); (R.E.); (J.O.-G.); (R.C.)
| | - Emili Vela-Vallespín
- Information Systems, CatSalut, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System (DS3), IDIBELL, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocio Casañas
- Global Health, Gender and Society (GHenderS), Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (O.C.-V.); (M.E.B.); (X.E.-T.); (R.E.); (J.O.-G.); (R.C.)
- Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
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Bortolini T, Laport MC, Latgé-Tovar S, Fischer R, Zahn R, de Oliveira-Souza R, Moll J. The extended neural architecture of human attachment: An fMRI coordinate-based meta-analysis of affiliative studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105584. [PMID: 38367888 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Functional imaging studies and clinical evidence indicate that cortical areas relevant to social cognition are closely integrated with evolutionarily conserved basal forebrain structures and neighboring regions, enabling human attachment and affiliative emotions. The neural circuitry of human affiliation is continually being unraveled as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) becomes increasingly prevalent, with studies examining human brain responses to various attachment figures. However, previous fMRI meta-analyses on affiliative stimuli have encountered challenges, such as low statistical power and the absence of robustness measures. To address these issues, we conducted an exhaustive coordinate-based meta-analysis of 79 fMRI studies, focusing on personalized affiliative stimuli, including one's infants, family, romantic partners, and friends. We employed complementary coordinate-based analyses (Activation Likelihood Estimation and Signed Differential Mapping) and conducted a robustness analysis of the results. Findings revealed cluster convergence in cortical and subcortical structures related to reward and motivation, salience detection, social bonding, and cognition. Our study thoroughly explores the neural correlates underpinning affiliative responses, effectively overcoming the limitations noted in previous meta-analyses. It provides an extensive view of the neural substrates associated with affiliative stimuli, illuminating the intricate interaction between cortical and subcortical regions. Our findings significantly contribute to understanding the neurobiology of human affiliation, expanding the known human attachment circuitry beyond the traditional basal forebrain regions observed in other mammals to include uniquely human isocortical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Bortolini
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, The D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; IDOR - Pioneer Science Initiative, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maria Clara Laport
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, The D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sofia Latgé-Tovar
- Institute of Psychiatry, Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ronald Fischer
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, The D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; IDOR - Pioneer Science Initiative, São Paulo, Brazil; School of Psychology, PO Box 600, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Roland Zahn
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, The D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; The Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jorge Moll
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, The D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; IDOR - Pioneer Science Initiative, São Paulo, Brazil
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Saxbe D, Martínez-García M. Cortical volume reductions in men transitioning to first-time fatherhood reflect both parenting engagement and mental health risk. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae126. [PMID: 38615244 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Perinatal reductions in gray matter volume have been observed in human mothers transitioning to parenthood, with preliminary evidence for similar changes in fathers. These reductions have been theorized to support adaptation to parenting, but greater investigation is needed. We scanned 38 first-time fathers during their partner's pregnancy and again after 6 months postpartum, and collected self-report data prenatally and 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Significant gray matter volume reductions were observed across the entire cortex but not the subcortex. Fathers who reported stronger prenatal bonding with the unborn infant, and planned to take more time off from work after birth, subsequently showed larger cortical volume decreases. Larger reductions in gray matter volume also emerged among fathers who reported stronger postpartum bonding with the infant, lower parenting stress, and more time spent with their infant. Larger volume reductions predicted more postpartum sleep problems and higher levels of postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, controlling for prenatal sleep and mental health. Volume reductions were smaller among fathers whose infants were older at the postpartum scan, indicating potential rebound. These results suggest that perinatal gray matter volume reductions might reflect not only greater parenting engagement but also increased mental health risk in new fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby Saxbe
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, 3620 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles 90089, United States
| | - Magdalena Martínez-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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47
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Mizuguchi N, Kato K, Sugawara SK, Yoshimi T, Goto Y, Takasu K, Isaka T. Age and parous-experience dependent changes in emotional contagion for positive infant sounds. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1336126. [PMID: 38601818 PMCID: PMC11004475 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emotional contagion is achieved by inferring and emotionally resonating with other persons' feelings. It is unclear whether age-related changes in emotional contagion for infant sounds are modulated by the experience of childbirth or childcare. This study aims to evaluate changes in inference and emotional resonance for positive and negative infant sounds (laughter and crying) among women, based on age and parous experience. Methods A total of 241 women (60 young nulliparous, 60 young parous, 60 old nulliparous, and 61 old parous) completed a web-based questionnaire. After listening to three types of infant sounds (laughter, cooing, and crying), participants responded with their valence for hearing infant sounds and estimated infant valence on an 11-point Likert scale. Results The analysis for emotional resonance revealed that the correlation coefficient between self and estimated infant valences was greater in young parous and old nulliparous women than in young nulliparous women, in laughter and cooing sounds. However, correlation coefficients for crying did not differ among any of the four groups. Conclusion The degree of emotional resonance for infant valence increased depending on age and parous-experience for positive infant sounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Mizuguchi
- Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
- Institute of Advanced Research for Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
- Assistive Robot Center, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenji Kato
- Assistive Robot Center, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Sho K. Sugawara
- Neural Prosthetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yoshimi
- Assistive Robot Center, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuta Goto
- Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Kaori Takasu
- Administrative Office, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Tadao Isaka
- Institute of Advanced Research for Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
- College of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
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48
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Jimenez CA, Meyer ML. The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex prioritizes social learning during rest. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309232121. [PMID: 38466844 PMCID: PMC10962978 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309232121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sociality is a defining feature of the human experience: We rely on others to ensure survival and cooperate in complex social networks to thrive. Are there brain mechanisms that help ensure we quickly learn about our social world to optimally navigate it? We tested whether portions of the brain's default network engage "by default" to quickly prioritize social learning during the memory consolidation process. To test this possibility, participants underwent functional MRI (fMRI) while viewing scenes from the documentary film, Samsara. This film shows footage of real people and places from around the world. We normed the footage to select scenes that differed along the dimension of sociality, while matched on valence, arousal, interestingness, and familiarity. During fMRI, participants watched the "social" and "nonsocial" scenes, completed a rest scan, and a surprise recognition memory test. Participants showed superior social (vs. nonsocial) memory performance, and the social memory advantage was associated with neural pattern reinstatement during rest in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC), a key node of the default network. Moreover, it was during early rest that DMPFC social pattern reinstatement was greatest and predicted subsequent social memory performance most strongly, consistent with the "prioritization" account. Results simultaneously update 1) theories of memory consolidation, which have not addressed how social information may be prioritized in the learning process, and 2) understanding of default network function, which remains to be fully characterized. More broadly, the results underscore the inherent human drive to understand our vastly social world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meghan L. Meyer
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY10027
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Li M, Qu K, Wang Y, Wang Y, Sun L. Associations of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with cognition, dementia, and brain structure: a Mendelian randomization study. J Hypertens 2024; 42:399-409. [PMID: 37850952 PMCID: PMC10842677 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies have found associations between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction and reduced brain volume. However, the results of observational studies may have been influenced by confounding factors. This study applied two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal associations of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with cognition, dementia, and brain structure. METHODS Summary data on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their main subtypes, cognition, dementia, and brain structure were obtained from recent European genome-wide association studies. We computed the inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median MR estimates. Cochran's Q statistics and the MR-Egger intercept test were used to quantify the heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy of the instrumental variables. RESULTS Genetically predicted preeclampsia or eclampsia was inversely associated with gray matter volume [beta = -0.072; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.131 to -0.014; P = 1.53 × 10 -2 ]; possibly with brain volume (beta = -0.064; 95% CI = -0.117 to -0.012; P = 1.68 × 10 -2 ). However, the association of hypertensive pregnancy disorders or gestational hypertension with brain structure was not significant. We did not find any significant association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia or eclampsia and cognition and dementia-related outcomes. CONCLUSION This study provided genetic evidence supporting an association between preeclampsia or eclampsia and reduced brain volume. This supports the view of PE as a risk factor for gray matter volume reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxi Li
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center
| | - Kang Qu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | | | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center
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50
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Stickel AM, Tarraf W, Kuwayama S, Wu B, Sundermann EE, Gallo LC, Lamar M, Daviglus M, Zeng D, Thyagarajan B, Isasi CR, Lipton RB, Cordero C, Perreira KM, Gonzalez HM, Banks SJ. Connections between reproductive health and cognitive aging among women enrolled in the HCHS/SOL and SOL-INCA. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1944-1957. [PMID: 38160447 PMCID: PMC10947951 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reproductive health history may contribute to cognitive aging and risk for Alzheimer's disease, but this is understudied among Hispanic/Latina women. METHODS Participants included 2126 Hispanic/Latina postmenopausal women (44 to 75 years) from the Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging. Survey linear regressions separately modeled the associations between reproductive health measures (age at menarche, history of oral contraceptive use, number of pregnancies, number of live births, age at menopause, female hormone use at Visit 1, and reproductive span) with cognitive outcomes at Visit 2 (performance, 7-year change, and mild cognitive impairment [MCI] prevalence). RESULTS Younger age at menarche, oral contraceptive use, lower pregnancies, lower live births, and older age at menopause were associated with better cognitive performance. Older age at menarche was protective against cognitive change. Hormone use was linked to lower MCI prevalence. DISCUSSION Several aspects of reproductive health appear to impact cognitive aging among Hispanic/Latina women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana M. Stickel
- Department of PsychologySan Diego State UniversitySan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Wassim Tarraf
- Institute of Gerontology & Department of Healthcare SciencesWayne State UniversityDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Sayaka Kuwayama
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Benson Wu
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Erin E. Sundermann
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Linda C. Gallo
- Department of PsychologySan Diego State UniversitySan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Melissa Lamar
- Institute for Minority Health ResearchUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoCollege of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Martha Daviglus
- Institute for Minority Health ResearchUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoCollege of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Donglin Zeng
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Bharat Thyagarajan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Carmen R. Isasi
- Department of Epidemiology & Population HealthAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Richard B. Lipton
- Department of Epidemiology & Population HealthAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Krista M. Perreira
- Department of Social MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Hector M. Gonzalez
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sarah J. Banks
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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